The History of Java, v. 1-2Raffles, Thomas Stamford, Sir
History
The History of Java, v. 1-2
Raffles, Thomas Stamford, Sir
Java (Indonesia) -- History
"Like unto the _púdak_ flower when hanging down its head, was the shape
of her leg; her foot flat with the ground; her gait gentle and majestic
like that of the elephant. Thus beautiful in person, she was clothed
with a _chíndi patóla_ of a green colour, fastened round the waist
with a golden _lúlut_ or cestus: her outer garment being of the _méga
mendúng (dark clouded)_ pattern. Her _kémban (upper garment)_ was of
the pattern _jing'gomosi_, edged with lace of gold; on her finger she
wore a ring, the production of the sea, and her ear-rings were of the
pattern _nóto bróngto_.
"On the front of the ear-studs were displayed the beauties of the
_segára múnchar_ pattern (_emeralds encircled by rubies and diamonds_),
and she bound up her hair in the first fashion, fastening it with the
_glúng (knot) bobokóran_, and decorating it with the green _chámpaca_
flower, and also with the _gámbir, meláti_, and _mínor_ flowers; and in
the centre of it she fixed a golden pin, with a red jewel on the top,
and a golden flower ornamented with emeralds. Her necklace was composed
of seven kinds of precious stones, and most brilliant to behold; and
she was highly perfumed, without it being possible to discover from
whence the scent was produced.
"Her _jámang (tiara or head ornament)_ was of the fashion _sódo sáler_
and richly chased; her bracelets were of the pattern _glang-kána_, and
suited the _jámang_. Thus was the beauty of her person heightened and
adorned by the splendour of her dress."
* * * * *
To this we may add, from one of the popular versions of the work called
_Jáya Langkárá_ the notions which the Javans have of the virtues,
beauties, and dress, that should adorn a young man of family.
"In a youth of noble birth there are seven points which should strike
the observer, and these are indispensable. In the first place,
he should be of good descent; in the second, he should possess
understanding; in the third, he should know how to conduct himself.
In the fourth place, he recollects what he learns in the _sástras_;
in the fifth, his views must be enlarged; in the sixth, he must
be religious; in the seventh, he must exert the qualifications he
possesses unhesitatingly. These are the seven points which must strike
the immediate attention of the observer.
"In his heart and mind he must be quiet and tranquil. He should be able
to repress his inclinations, and to be silent when necessary: never
should he on any account tell a falsehood. He should not think long
concerning property, neither should he fear death: in his devotions he
should be free from pride, and he should relieve the distressed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account